VENEZUELANS SEEKING HELP

Jul 14, 2018 Editorial

For the past two years, the government was aware that there could be an influx of refugees from Venezuela into Guyana due to the economic and political crisis that gripping the oil rich nation. It is the worst economic crisis faced by Venezuelans in recent history and it seems that there is no end in sight.
However, the announcement of an influx of two groups of Venezuelans into the Mabaruma district seeking food, shelter and medical help should not surprise anyone.
The crisis has led to shortages of basic foodstuffs, goods, soaring inflation and a severe health crisis in the country. Millions of poor Venezuelans are starving because there is no food and no money to buy anything. Many are dying because medications are no longer available and a large number of doctors and nurses have migrated.
Venezuela’s crippling economic crisis has led to a shortage of meat, which means that eating meat has become a luxury for many, especially the poor who cannot afford to purchase it. A survey conducted last year showed that nearly 75 percent of the population, mostly the poor have lost an average of 8.7 kilos (19 pounds) in weight due to lack of proper nutrition.

The crisis has taken a toll on the country’s finances. Most international financial institutions have claimed that the country’s currency is worthless. For example, 3,000 bolivars is the equivalent to one US dollar. Inflation is at 2,500 percent, the highest anywhere in the world and creditors are not being paid. Neighbouring governments such as Brazil and Argentina have condemned President Maduro’s actions. But the question on the minds of many is: How did Venezuela,with the largest oil and mineral reserves in the world and once seen as a model for left-wing movements in the region crumble under its own weight? The answer lies in President Nicolas Maduro’s dictatorial policies, contempt for the people and the constitution and lust for power.
The Guyana government must take the situation in Venezuela seriously. It must develop a contingency plan to deal with any possible worst-case scenarios that could emerge from a flood of refugees into the country and any spillover of criminality from the economic meltdown.
Several Venezuelans who have entered Guyana illegally were charged, fined/jailed and deported. Even though the influx of this group could further strain the healthcare system, the government should be lenient and allow them to stay because of the harsh economic situation they are trying to escape.
It would be laudable for the government to offer temporary refugee status to those Venezuelans for the simple reason that in an earlier period, many Guyanese had faced a similar situation and fled to Venezuela, Brazil and the Caribbean. Some were granted refugee status in the United States and Canada.
Strangely, we have not yet granted any Venezuelan refugee status while Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and a few other countries have. It is true that most Venezuelans entering Guyana seeking refugee status do not know the laws governing refugee claims.
However, under international law, Venezuelans who came to Guyana and applied for refugee status cannot be deported without due process. They may eventually be denied residency in the country and be deported but not without due process. That said, we should not ignore the plight of poor and desperate Venezuelans who have entered Guyana illegally.
After all, their country has collapsed thus forcing them to seek food and shelter in other countries, including Guyana. As a good neighbour, we should be compassionate and help them. Deporting them is to condemn them to a life of punishment and perhaps death.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News